Pop of colors for this eclectic modern Airbnb

Durham, North Carolina · Airbnb case study

Eclectic modern Airbnb interior design in Durham, NC

Pops of color, a chic mix of traditional and modern lines, and a palette drawn from Durham itself, designed and furnished to turn a short-term rental into a guest favorite.

Eclectic modern living room in a Durham, NC Airbnb designed by Michael Interieurs
The brief

Stand out with a look that is unmistakably Durham

Competition is fierce in the world of short term rentals. Getting potential guests to click on your listing and book it can be tough, so great Airbnb design, functional amenities, useful necessities, fun games and professional photographs can definitely make a difference. Once booked, your place needs to actually feel cozy, be functional, and have personality beyond the nice pictures and listing description. If you need help designing and installing your short term rental, check our services and book a free session to talk through your project scope.

In order to differentiate from the competition, we create a unique style and color palette that stands out from other listings. Here, we wanted to bring pops of color and keep a chic mood by mixing traditional furniture lines with more modern ones. The palette inspiration came from the blue of the Duke Blue Devils and the brick found in many of Durham’s buildings. We also love to bring the outdoors inside with touches of green and some southern tropical vibes.

Location
Durham, North Carolina
Type
Whole-home short-term rental
Palette
Blue, brick, southern greens
The tour

Living areas

The main living spaces mix a chic, colorful palette with a comfortable, functional layout built for groups to gather.

Colorful eclectic living area in a Durham Airbnb Living space mixing traditional and modern furniture in Durham Chic seating with pops of color in a Durham short-term rental Durham Airbnb living detail with southern green accents Dining and gathering area in a Durham Airbnb Bright eclectic living room in a Durham short-term rental
The tour

Upstairs bedrooms and bathrooms

There were three bedrooms upstairs. The larger one could easily fit two queen beds, a great way to maximize the sleeping space, and its mood and decor are a shout-out to Durham’s industrial and brick heritage. The inspiration for the two smaller bedrooms is the cardinal, the state bird of North Carolina. Miss and Mister Cardinal each have their own bedroom, with wooden accents, natural bedside sconces and a custom green arch, and they meet in the adjacent bathroom.

Bedroom with two queen beds in a Durham Airbnb Industrial brick-heritage bedroom in a Durham short-term rental Cardinal-inspired bedroom with wooden accents in Durham Custom green arch bedroom detail in a Durham Airbnb Second cardinal bedroom in a Durham short-term rental Shared upstairs bathroom in a Durham Airbnb
The tour

Master bedroom and ensuite

The master bedroom with ensuite is downstairs, with direct access to the back porch and a view of the backyard, so it was the perfect room to bring in the exterior and some tropical vibes. The wallpaper, the rattan bed and bench, the monkey table lamps, and the giant leaf above the desk contrast with some modern furniture touches. Every piece is chosen to be durable enough for guest turnover.

Tropical master bedroom with rattan bed in a Durham Airbnb Master bedroom wallpaper and decor detail in Durham Ensuite bathroom in a Durham short-term rental Master bedroom desk area with tropical accents in Durham
The tour

Outdoor

Finally, the backyard has to be treated as any other living space, and it can be a critical differentiator for guests. As space allowed, we installed an outdoor table that fits all guests, plus a grill, an outdoor umbrella, and string lights for evening dinners. Some fun outdoor games along with a screen and projector create an inviting exterior.

Backyard dining setup at a Durham Airbnb Outdoor lounge and string lights at a Durham short-term rental Backyard games and projector area at a Durham Airbnb Evening backyard view at a Durham short-term rental Outdoor seating at a Durham Airbnb backyard
Questions

Durham Airbnb design, answered

How much does Airbnb design cost?

Design only starts at $4,000, and a full turnkey setup, design plus furniture and install, at $8,700 for a one-bedroom. The furniture budget is separate and stays yours. See the full short-term rental pricing.

What furniture holds up in a short-term rental?

Contract-grade pieces, performance fabrics and solid frames, hold up to guest turnover far better than cheap furniture. See our guide to durable furniture for an Airbnb.

Is professional interior design worth it for a rental?

Yes. Professionally designed short-term rentals photograph better, attract more bookings, and justify higher nightly rates, and a designer improves the layout and functionality of the home.

Ready when you are

Design a Durham rental that stands out

Book a discovery call or take the quiz, and we will design and furnish a short-term rental built to book. See the full Airbnb interior design service and pricing.